Welcome back! We’re on week four of our Healthy Aging series, where we’re exploring all of the details of the five most common eye conditions that affect us as we age. This is part three, and today, we’re discussing Diabetic Retinopathy. This is also quite appropriate because November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common cause of vision impairment in adults 40 years and older, and is a common complication of diabetes.
Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the U.S.
It affects one in 3 adults over 40—that is quite a lot of people, so it’s important to know the risks if you have diabetes and to learn how to prevent this condition. If you work to prevent Type 2 Diabetes, you can also avoid developing Diabetic Retinopathy.
What are some of the common symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic Retinopathy progresses in four stages:
- Mild: Micro-aneurysm
- Moderate: Blockage of some retinal blood vessels
- Severe: Blockage in many retinal blood vessels leading to the retina being deprived of blood supply and causing growth of new, weaker blood vessels
- Advanced: Blindness.
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What are some of the causes of Diabetic Retinopathy?
Poor management of diabetes and blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids.
How do we treat Diabetic Retinopathy?
Early diagnosis can reduce vision loss.
How do I prevent developing Diabetic Retinopathy?
If you have diabetes, work with your eye doctor to get annual dilated eye exams—as many as 50% of diabetes patients are not getting their eyes examined in time to treat diabetic retinopathy. You can also:
- Work on your diet
- Maintain good control of your blood sugar
- Monitor your blood pressure and any lipid abnormalities.
- Quit smoking, or don’t start
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You can always give us a call, shoot us a text, or write an email with your questions about Diabetic Retinopathy. What questions do you have? We’re excited to help you to gather all of the information you need to live a long life with healthy eyes!